"You are very kind," said Annie, the wide eyes being a little wider than usual; "but I thought it was as a day-governess——"
"To be sure, we have always had a day-governess. But in your case I should prefer a resident governess, especially if you are about to leave your home and take lodgings."
"I meant to take lodgings somewhere near you, if I had the good fortune to please you."
"In this neighbourhood you couldn't get lodgings; and if you go down to Camden Town, or over to Kentish Town—oh, my dear, I couldn't think of it. My husband is very particular about everybody connected with us being treated fairly—like one of ourselves, you understand; and as soon as he heard of your being inclined to answer the advertisement, he said—
"'I hope Miss Brunel will find a comfortable home here.'"
This was another lie—indeed, what little intellect the poor woman had chiefly took the form of invention.
"I am not anxious to go into lodgings," said Annie Brunel, with a smile, "as I had a good deal of experience of them at one time."
"Shall we consider it settled, then?"
"But you do not know whether I am fit for the duties you require."
"What an objection! I know you are."